Foundation Disburses Scholarships to 730 Indigent Students Across Nasarawa

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia 

The Maikaya Development Foundation has commenced the disbursement of scholarship funds to 730 indigent students of Nasarawa State studying in tertiary institutions across Nigeria, as part of its sustained commitment to education, youth development and human capital advancement.

The scholarship intervention followed an overwhelming response from applicants, with over 15,000 students applying through the foundation’s online portal. After a rigorous screening exercise, 730 candidates were successfully selected as beneficiaries.

Speaking at the commencement of the disbursement exercise in Lafia on Friday, the Chief Operating Officer of the foundation, Hon. Shuaibu Sani, said the application portal was opened on December 15, 2025, and closed in January 2026, after which a transparent and credible screening process was conducted.

Sani explained that the scholarship scheme remains one of the core mandates of the Maikaya Development Foundation, particularly at a time when economic pressures have made access to education increasingly challenging for many families.

“This programme is meant to cushion the burden on parents and guardians, especially now that students are returning to school amid rising costs,” he said.

He disclosed that each beneficiary received ₦25,000, noting that beneficiaries were drawn from all wards and the 13 local government areas of Nasarawa State to ensure fairness, equity and inclusiveness.

According to him, the foundation has recorded a steady increase in the number of beneficiaries over the years, with 300 students supported in 2024, over 600 in 2025, and 730 students in 2026.

“This intervention has been consistent for over 10 years, and we have continued to assist students of Nasarawa State without discrimination,” Sani added.

He further stated that the use of indigenous forms as part of the application requirements helped authenticate applicants and enhanced the credibility of the exercise.

Sani noted that the scholarship initiative is designed to complement the developmental strides of the Nasarawa State Government under Governor Abdullahi Sule, describing the foundation’s interventions as supportive efforts aimed at consolidating the administration’s policies for the overall betterment of the people of the state.

The scholarship scheme is one of several interventions recently undertaken by the Maikaya Development Foundation across Nasarawa State. 

The foundation recently organised a football tournament in Toto Local Government Area, which attracted sons and daughters of the area and promoted unity in diversity, while cash awards and empowerment support were extended to women and youths.

Similarly, a football tournament currently ongoing in Akwanga Local Government Area is nearing completion, with the final match scheduled to be held next week. In the area of infrastructure support, the foundation has also installed a solar energy system at the Building Materials Market in Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, to enhance commercial activities and improve security.

Some beneficiaries from Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), Isah Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, and the College of Education, Akwanga, described the scholarship as timely and impactful.

A 100-level student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Muhammed Ibrahim, said the support would help him offset academic expenses.

“This gesture has reduced the pressure on my parents and motivated me to take my studies more seriously,” he said.

Similarly, an HND in Business Administration student of Isah Mustapha Agwai Polytechnic, Lafia, Emmanuel Isah, described the scholarship as a rare intervention.

“This is the first time I am receiving financial assistance from a non-governmental organisation,” he noted.

At the College of Education, Akwanga, a year-one student of the Home Economics Department, Tanze Ezekiel, expressed gratitude to the foundation, saying the funds would assist in settling school-related obligations and transportation costs.

According to reports, the Maikaya Development Foundation has continued to receive commendation across Nasarawa State for its long-standing commitment to education, youth empowerment and sustainable development.